Lines running through Saxmundham were blocked and services were delayed by up to 90 minutes at short notice because of a fault with the signalling system.

Train services between Ipswich and Lowestoft via Saxmundham and Beccles were cancelled, delayed or terminated at Saxmundham. The fault was first reported at about 12noon and was fixed at around 6.45pm.

Services between Saxmundham and Lowestoft were also not running.

Greater Anglia advised customers travelling between Ipswich and Saxmundham to use a shuttle train service.

Customers travelling to and from Darsham, Halesworth and Brampton were provided with alternative transport from Ipswich.

A Greater Anglia spokesman said Network Rail engineers had worked “as fast as possible” to rectify the fault. The firm also thanked customers for their patience.

Bus services took passengers between Ipswich and Saxmundham via Woodbridge and Melton in both directions.

Arrangements were made for Abellio Greater Anglia rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.